Automatic applicator brush

ABSTRACT

A brush for automatic application of a personal care product. The brush is ergonomically shaped and has bristles of length, texture and arrangement appropriate for the particular application purpose. The product is contained in a reservoir within the casing of the brush and dispensed onto the bristles by a dispensing system positioned within the reservoir. The dispensing system may be a pump and ejection device, or a spring-operated stopper device. The reservoir may be supplied pre-filled or may be fillable from an external ampoule or standard commercial container in conjunction with a special adaptor.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to brushes for personal care, andmore particularly to brushes incorporating a fluid dispenser.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Brushes of various kinds are used for purposes of hygiene and foraesthetic purposes. These include application of personal care productsto the face, the hair and the nails.

[0003] Brushes designed for use on the skin of the face are used toensure thorough cleaning to remove surface oils and accumulated debris,and are frequently recommended for use in preventing blocked pores,blackheads, acne and similar skin eruptions. Brushing is carried outafter application of an appropriate skin cleanser or medicated lotion.

[0004] Individuals frequently need to clean beneath the fingernails.This is especially true in certain professions, in which either highlevels of hygiene are required, such as the medical or cateringprofessions, or in which the workers hands and nails are constantlybrought into contact with dirt, such as gardening, garage work etc.

[0005] Simply washing the hands with water and detergent is notsufficient and the fingernails, and the area beneath the fingernails,which traps considerable amounts of dirt, must be cleaned separately.The simplest and most economical way to clean beneath the fingernails isby use of a detergent and suitably sized brush.

[0006] Brushes have a wide variety of uses in applying products to thehair, enabling even distribution of the product over not only the outerlayers of the hair, but also the lower layers and the roots. Hairproducts which may be applied by use of a brush include dyes, medicatedshampoos for prevention of dandruff and preparations for prevention ofhair loss.

[0007] A small brush may also be used to apply polish remover to thefingernails.

[0008] In all of the above applications, a fluid must be first placed onthe brush before the treatment process can begin, which is timeconsuming. An excessive amount of fluid may be inadvertently transferredto the brush, making the process uneconomical.

[0009] In addition, a container for the fluid is required and is eitherstored with the brush, which is space-consuming and contributes to acluttered appearance of the area in which the brush and fluid arestored, or is stored elsewhere, in which case it must be located whenrequired.

[0010] Furthermore, conventional brushes are frequently uncomfortable tohold and manipulate.

[0011] In the case of the conventional brush and detergent method forcleaning the nails, an additional disadvantage is that frequent washingwith standard detergents causes drying of the nails and the skin beneaththe nails, which contributes to flaking and breaking of the nail, and toirritation of the skin of the fingertips.

[0012] Therefore it would be desirable to provide a simple andeconomical brush for automatic application of a fluid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcomethe disadvantages of the prior art and provide a brush for automaticapplication of a personal care product.

[0014] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided an ergonomically-shaped, automaticapplicator brush for use in applying a variety of personal care fluids.The bristles of the brush have a degree of stiffness, texture and lengthappropriate to the purpose for which the brush is intended to be used.The fluid is contained in a reservoir within the brush. A dispensingmechanism within the reservoir enables the fluid to be dispensed fromthe reservoir onto the bristles via an outlet on the lower casing of thebrush.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, there is provided a devicecomprising an automatic applicator brush for applying a personal carefluid, wherein the brush comprises an ergonomically shaped outer casing;an outlet provided within a lower surface of said outer casing; aplurality of bristles positioned on an outer surface of said outercasing, surrounding said outlet; a dispensing system situated withinsaid outer casing for dispensing said fluid onto said bristles throughsaid outlet; and a reservoir for containing said fluid prior todispensing onto said bristles by said dispensing system.

[0016] A feature of the present invention is that the device provides aquick, simple and economical method for application of a personal careproduct.

[0017] An advantage of the present invention is that the device isadaptable for use with all standard personal care product containers.

[0018] A further advantage of the present invention is that the deviceprevents wastage or spillage of the personal care product.

[0019] A further advantage of the present invention is that the deviceoccupies minimum space.

[0020] A further advantage of the present invention is that the deviceis ergonomically shaped.

[0021] Additional features and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from the following drawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] For a better understanding of the invention with regard to theembodiments thereof, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, inwhich like numerals designate corresponding sections or elementsthroughout and in which:

[0023]FIG. 1 shows a side view of the cosmetic brush of the presentinvention;

[0024]FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the cosmetic brush;

[0025]FIG. 3 shows a top view of the cosmetic brush;

[0026]FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of thecosmetic brush of the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 5 shows a front view of an adaptor for use with the cosmeticbrush of FIG. 4;

[0028]FIG. 6 shows a side view of an additional alternative embodimentof the brush of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 7 shows an exploded cross-sectional view of the brush of FIG.6;

[0030]FIG. 8a shows a bottom view of the upper section of the housing ofthe of FIG. 6; and

[0031]FIG. 8b shows a side view of the lower section of the housing ofFIG. 8a

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 to 3, which illustrate apreferred embodiment of an automatic applicator brush 10, constructedand operated in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0033] In accordance with the principles of the present invention, brush10 is provided with a housing 12, a plurality of bristles 14, an ampoule16 containing a personal care fluid 18, and a dispensing mechanism 19.

[0034] Fluid 18 may be selected from a wide variety of products, such asliquid soap, facial cleanser, acne treatment fluid, shampoo, hair dye,nail varnish remover etc.

[0035] Housing 12 is formed wit a treaded hole 20 on one side. Neck 22of ampoule 16 is formed with a complementary threaded opening, such thatampoule 16 may be firmly screwed into housing 12.

[0036] An inlet device 24 is positioned within housing 12, connecting tohole 20 such that fluid 18 is allowed to flow into housing 12 fromampoule 16 until a maximum level is reached.

[0037] Dispensing mechanism 19 comprises a button 26, which activates apump 28 and ejection device 30. When button 26 is depressed, fluid 18 isdrawn into ejection device 30 by the action of pump 28. Ejection device30 is simultaneously pushed downwards and becomes inserted within nozzle32 from which fluid 18 is forced outwards onto the lower surface ofhousing 12 and bristles 14.

[0038] Fluid 18 may then be applied to the appropriate skin, hair, ornail surface by appropriate brushing motions, which may, for instance,be circular motions in the case of skin surfaces, or stroke movementsfor application of fluid to the hair.

[0039] Bristles 14 are of an appropriate length and material for theparticular personal care process for which the brush is intended. Abrush for use on the skin of the face will have relatively softbristles, while a brush for use on the hair will contain stiffer,longer, bristles. Various combinations of bristle may be used in brushesintended for specific purposes. For example, an facial care brush mayinclude one or more outer rows of stiff bristles for treatment ofproblem areas, combined with softer inner rows for even application ofthe applied fluid.

[0040]FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment 40 of an automaticapplicator brush. In this embodiment, bristles are arranged in a smallnumber of rows concentric with the casing of the brush, while thecentral region is occupied by a sponge 42. Sponge 42 may be regularlyremoved and replaced with a fresh sponge in order to maintain a highstandard of hygiene.

[0041] A further use of the automatic applicator brush is intended forapplication of fluids to the hair. These may include hair dyes,anti-dandruff preparations or preparations for the prevention of hairloss. In all of these products, it is desirable that application beuniform along the entire length of the hair shaft, including the roots.The brush comprises two or more sets of bristles of different lengths ofenable parting of the hair and simultaneous application of the productto the outer layers of the hair and to the roots.

[0042] As an alternative to ampoule 16, fluid 18 may be used directlyfrom the bottle in which it is supplied (not shown). Inlet mechanism 24may be used in conjunction with any standard, commercially availablebottle or container by use of an appropriate detachable adaptor. A rangeof adaptors in various sizes is available.

[0043]FIG. 5 shows an example of an adaptor 44. Adaptor 44 has one openthreaded end 46 of dimensions appropriate for screwing into threadedhole 20, and a second open end suitable for attachment to the opening ofa standard, commercial bottle.

[0044]FIGS. 6 and 7 show an additional alternative embodiment 50 of anautomatic applicator brush, comprising an upper housing 52 a and a lowerhousing 52 b, a plurality of bristles 14, a sponge 56, a spring-loadedliquid dispenser 58 and a reservoir 60 containing fluid 18.

[0045] Lower casing 12 b is provided with a central opening 65, beneathwhich sponge 56 is fixedly attached.

[0046] Dispenser 58 comprises an upper section 66 and a lower section64, connected by a compression spring 68. Lower section 64 comprises anessentially cylindrical body 70, tapering at its lower end 72 and endingin a narrow cylindrical structure 74, which forms a stopper which fitsinto opening 65 of lower casing 12 b, preventing fluid 18 from flowingout of reservoir 60. A circular rim 76 of diameter greater than that ofbody 70, and equal to the inner diameter of reservoir 60, is positionedon body 70 directly above tapering end 72.

[0047] Upper dispenser section 66 comprises a cylindrical section 78provided with an upper cap 80, which fits within an appropriatedepression in upper housing 12 a.

[0048] When using device 50, casing 12 is held in the palm of the handwith sponge 56 positioned on the upper surface of the nail. Uponexertion of pressure on sponge 56, stopper 74 is pushed upwards,unsealing opening 65 and allowing fluid 18 to flow out of reservoir 60onto sponge 56.

[0049] Upon cessation of pressure on sponge 56, spring 68 serves toreturn lower dispenser section 64, together with stopper 74 to itsposition within opening 65, thus resealing reservoir 60.

[0050] Sponge 56 therefore serves to dispense fluid 18 and may be usedto further rub fluid 18 over a desired surface.

[0051] After dispensing of fluid 18 onto the desired surface, thesurface may be further scrubbed using bristles 14.

[0052] As an example of use of device 50, may be used with a cleanser 82in order to clean under the tips of fingernails. Device 50 is positionedsuch that bristles 14 are inserted under the nail, and pressure exertedon sponge 56 such that cleanser 82 is dispensed as described above.

[0053] Cleanser 82 comprises a herbal-based solution which is able todissolve oils and other organic materials, thus assisting in removingdirt and other foreign debris from under the fingernails and from thesurface of the fingernails.

[0054] Cleanser 82 also contains an addition of vitamin E, which servesto protect and nourish the nails and skin.

[0055] The combination of cleanser and rubbing or brushing action servesto thoroughly clean the upper surface of the fingernails and the areabeneath the tips of the fingernails.

[0056]FIGS. 8a and 8 b further illustrate the outer casing 12 of device50. Lower casing 12 b is provided with an upwardly-facing cylindricalreservoir 60 for receiving fluid 18. Upper casing 12 a is formed with adepression 84 of diameter equal to that of reservoir 60, such that upperrim of reservoir 60 may be fitted into depression 84, thus sealing uppercasing 12 a and lower casing 12 b together.

[0057] Having described the invention with regard to certain specificembodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the description is notmeant as a limitation, since further modifications will now suggestthemselves to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover suchmodifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. An device comprising an automatic applicator brush forapplying a personal care fluid, wherein the brush comprises: anergonomically shaped outer casing; an outlet provided within a lowersurface of said outer casing; a plurality of bristles positioned on anouter surface of said outer casing, surrounding said outlet; adispensing system situated within said outer casing for dispensing saidfluid onto said bristles through said outlet; and a reservoir forcontaining said fluid prior to dispensing onto said bristles by saiddispensing system.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said dispensingsystem comprises a pump and ejection device such that upon activation ofsaid dispensing system, said fluid is drawn into said ejection device bysaid pump and said ejection device is forced downwards into said outletsuch that said fluid is ejected from said ejection device via saidoutlet.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein a nozzle is provided withinsaid outlet.
 4. The device of claim 2 wherein said pump and saidejection device are operated by a push-button situated on an upper outersurface of said outer casing.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein saidreservoir is provided pre-filled with said fluid.
 6. The device of claim1 wherein said reservoir is filled with said fluid from an externalcontainer via an inlet provided in said outer casing.
 7. The device ofclaim 6 wherein said inlet comprises a threaded hole for insertiontherein of a portion of said external container.
 8. The device of claim7 wherein said external container comprises an ampoule provided with athreaded neck complementary to said threaded hole, such that saidampoule may be screwed into said inlet.
 9. The device of claim 7 whereinsaid external container comprises a standard commercial container and anadaptor formed with two open ends, such that an opening of saidcontainer is engagable within a first of said open ends of said adaptor,and where a second of said open ends of said adaptor is screwable withinsaid treaded hole.
 10. The device of claim 1 further comprising a spongepositioned over said outlet on said outer surface.
 11. The device ofclaim 10 wherein said dispensing system comprises a stopper retainedwithin said reservoir, said stopper being formed with a lower end havinghorizontal dimensions equal to that of said opening, and insertablewithin said opening so as to contact with said sponge, such thatexertion of pressure on said sponge causes said stopper to be displacedfrom said opening allowing said cleaning fluid to flow out of saidreservoir via said opening.
 12. The device of claim 11 furthercomprising an upper dispensing system section and a spring flexiblyconnected to said upper dispensing system section and said stopper, suchthat upon exertion of pressure on said sponge and said stopper, saidspring becomes contracted against said upper dispensing system sectionand upon removal of said pressure, said spring causes said stopper to bereplaced within said opening such that said cleaning fluid is preventedfrom flowing out of said opening.
 13. The device of claim 12 whereinsaid upper dispensing system section is cylindrical and is retainedwithin a depression formed on the inner surface of the upper portion ofsaid outer casing.
 14. The device of claim 11 wherein said stoppercomprises a cylindrical portion formed wit a tapered lower edge,terminating in a narrow downwardly-pointing segment insertable withinsaid opening.
 15. The device of claim 1 for use as a nail brush.
 16. Thedevice of claim 15 wherein said cleaning fluid contains vitamin E toprotect and nourish the nails.
 17. The device of claim 1 wherein saidbristles are of different lengths.
 18. The device of claim 1 whereinsaid bristles are of varying degrees of stiffness so as to bespecifically adapted for application of the particular personal carefluid.
 19. A system for applying a personal care fluid, said systemcomprising: an automatic applicator brush comprising an ergonomicallyshaped outer casing, an outlet provided within a lower surface of saidouter casing, and a plurality of bristles positioned on an outer surfaceof said outer casing, surrounding said outlet; a dispensing systemsituated within said outer casing for dispensing said fluid onto saidbristles through said outlet; and a reservoir for containing said fluidprior to dispensing onto said bristles by said dispensing system.